Topic 5 - Radioactivity Uses, Nuclear Fusion/fission, Radioactive Decay & Nuclear Power

Question 1

State the scientific name for a radioactivity detector (1)

Answer 1

Geiger-Müller tube

Question 2

A teacher has:
• a radioactive source that emits only beta particles
• a metre rule.
• a radioactivity detector
State two precautions the teacher must take to protect herself from the effects of radioactivity. (2)

Answer 2

Keep a safe distance (1)
Point the source away from people (1)
Handle the source with tongs (1)
Limit exposure time (1)
Use shielding (1)
Use gloves (1)
Use a mask (1)
Wear protective clothing (1)
Wear a film badge/monitor (1)

Question 3

A teacher has:
• a radioactive source that emits only beta particles
• a metre rule.
• a radioactivity detector
Describe how the teacher could show how far beta particles travel in air. (4)

Answer 3

Take measurement without source (1)
Place source in front of detector(1)
Increase the distance (between source and director) (1)
Measure distance (from source to detector) (1)
Take reading from the screen/counter (1)
Until reading gets to background value/constant value (1)
Use same time for each count (1)
Repeat (1)

Question 4

The mass of a proton is 1.6726 × 10^–27 kg.
The mass of an electron is 9.1094 × 10^–31 kg.
Calculate how many times the mass of a proton is greater than the mass of an electron.
Give your answer to two significant figures. (3)

Answer 4

1.6726 × 10^–27/9.1094 × 10^–31 (1)
1836 (1)
1800 (1)

Question 5

The student says that the experiment must have been done carelessly because the data
seemed quite scattered away from the best fit line.
The teacher claims such results should be expected in radioactivity experiments.
Justify the teacher’s claim. (2)

Answer 5

The process of radioactive decay is unpredictable/random (1)
There will be variations with each reading/the count rate will not be constant (1)

Question 6

Radium-223 is a radioactive substance.
Radium-223 is an alpha emitter.
The half-life of radium-223 is 11 days.
A radioactive source contains 1.7 × 10^23 nuclei of radium-223.
Calculate the number of radium-223 nuclei remaining in the source after a time of 33 days. (2)

Answer 6

33 days is 3 half lives (1)
1.7 × 10^23/2 = 8.5x10^22/2 = 4.25x10^22
4.25x10^22/2 = 2.125x10^22
2.125x10^22 (1)

Question 7

Fluorine-19 is a stable isotope of the element fluorine.
The element fluorine also has several radioactive isotopes.
Describe one similarity and one difference between the numbers of particles in 1 nucleus of fluorine-19 and one nucleus of a radioactive isotope of fluorine. (2)

Answer 7

Same number of protons (1)
Different number of neutrons (1)

Question 8

Gamma radiation is produced by radioactive decay.
Alpha radiation and beta radiation are also produced by radioactive decay.
Compare the processes of alpha decay and beta decay.
Your answer should include what each radiation is and what effect each decay has on the original nucleus. (6)

Question 9

The half-life of strontium-90 is 29 years.
The table gives some information about how the mass of a sample of strontium-90 changes with time.
Complete the table. (2)
Mass of strontium-90 in g - time in years
1600 - 0
? - 29
400 - ?

Answer 9

Mass of strontium-90 in g - time in years
1600 - 0
800 - 29
400 - 58

Question 10

Alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) are 3 types of radioactive emissions. Which statement describes all of these radioactive emissions? (1)
A ionising and emitted by stable nuclei
B ionising and emitted by unstable nuclei
C neutral and emitted by stable nuclei
D neutral and emitted by unstable nuclei

Answer 10

ionising and emitted by unstable nuclei

Question 11

Sometimes food can become contaminated with radioactive substances.
Describe the harmful effects of eating food contaminated with radioactive substances. (2)

Answer 11

Radioactive substances in the food/body (1)
Emit radiation from inside body (1)
Damage body cells (1)

Question 12

Carbon-14 is radioactive and has a half-life of 5,700 years.
The number of radioactive carbon-14 atoms in a very old piece of wood is found to have
decreased from 1 000 000 to 125 000.
Determine the age of the piece of wood. (2)

Answer 12

125000/1000000 = 1/8 (1)
17100 (1)

Question 13

Radioactive isotopes may be placed inside the body for treatment.
The energy absorbed by tissue in the body needs to be known.
The number of joules of energy absorbed by each kilogram of tissue is measured in one of
the units shown.
This unit is (1)
A kg/W
B J/kg
C kg/J
D W/kg

Answer 13

J/kg

Question 14

The half-life of cobalt-60 is 5 years.
A school cobalt source had an activity of 38.5 kBq in the year 2000.
Estimate the activity of this source in the year 2020. (3)

Answer 14

4 half lives (1)
1/16 (1)
2.4 (1)

Question 15

A radioactive rock is placed near to the front of a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube.
A radioactivity count-rate is first made in air.
The count-rate is measured again with each of three different absorbers between the rock
and the GM tube.
3cm of air- 1272 count-rate per minute
Thin sheet of paper- 931 count-rate per minute
3mm thick sheet of aluminium- 328 CR/minute
2cm thick sheet of lead- 21 count-rate/minute
A scientist has an idea that the rock emits three different types of radiation.
Explain how the data in this table supports the scientist’s idea. (6)

Answer 15

• shows some idea that the data can support arguments about alpha, beta and gamma radiation being present
• argues that there is some evidence that alpha might be emitted (count rate going down with paper interposed)
• argues that there is a lot of evidence that beta parti-cles are emitted (count rate goes down a lot when the aluminium is inserted)
• argues that there might be some gamma getting through (lead stopping everything apart from gamma) OR that with the lead present the count rate has gone down to a level consistent with background, so no gamma was present

Question 16

A Geiger-Muller (G-M) tube is attached to a counter.
The G-M tube is used to measure the activity of a source of beta (β) radiation.
There is an aluminium sheet between the beta source and the G-M tube.
The counter is switched on and after 1 minute shows a count of 268.
The aluminium sheet is taken away.
The counter is reset to 0 and then switched on again.
A new count is taken for 1 minute.
Explain why the new count is greater than 268. (2)

Answer 16

There’s no aluminium to absorb β particles (1)
Therefore, more β particles reach the Geiger-Muller tube (1)

Question 17

The beta source is taken away.
The counter is reset to zero and switched on again.
A new count is taken for 1 minute.
Give a reason why there would now be a reading on the counter. (1)

Answer 17

Background radiation

Question 18

State the SI unit for the activity of a radioactive source. (1)

Answer 18

Becquerel

Question 19

The typical size of an atom is (1)
A 10^–5 m
B 10^–10 m
C 10^–15 m
D 10^–20 m

Answer 19

10^–10 m

Question 20

Which decay is it when a proton turns into a neutron and 1 other particle?
(1)
A alpha
B beta minus
C beta plus
D gamma

Answer 20

beta plus

Question 21

Describe how a teacher should use a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube to compare the count-rates
from two different radioactive rocks. (4)

Answer 21

Put rocks in front of/near the GM tube (1)
Measure the count rate separately for both rocks (1)
Measure each count for the same time period (1)
Keep source-detector the same distance from both rocks (1)
Measure background radiation (1)
Repeat readings and averages (1)

Question 22

State two sources of background radiation. (2)

Answer 22

Cosmic rays (1)
Sun (1)
Rocks/ground (1)
Nuclear waste (1)
Nuclear power stations (1)
Plant sources (1)
Buildings (1)
Food (1)
Water (1)
Medical (1)
Radon (1)

Question 23

Radioactive substances are used in the generation of electricity.
State two other uses of radioactive substances. (2)

Answer 23

Smoke alarm (1)
Food irradiation (1)
Sterilising (1)
Detecting leaks/cracks (1)
Gauging thickness (1)
In medicine diagnostic (1)
In medicine therapeutic (1)
Dating archaeological samples (1)

Question 24

Energy from the nuclei of atoms can be used in medical diagnosis and treatment.
Fluorine-18 is a radioactive isotope used in PET scanners for medical diagnosis.
Explain why fluorine-18 must be produced close to the hospital where it is used. (2)

Answer 24

Fluorine-18 has a short half life (1)
So it must be used as soon as possible after making (1)

Question 25

Some tumours inside the body can be treated by using either alpha radiation or gamma
radiation.
Explain why the source of alpha radiation is usually inside the body but the source of gamma radiation can be outside the body. (4)

Answer 25

Alpha has short range/low penetration (1)
So needs to be close to the tumour (1)
Gamma has long range/high penetration (1)
So can get into the body from outside (1)

Question 26

Which of these radiations is both electromagnetic and ionising?
(1)
A alpha
B beta minus
C gamma
D neutron

Answer 26

Gamma

Question 27

Which type of radiation will travel the shortest distance in air?
(1)
A alpha
B beta minus
C beta plus
D gamma

Answer 27

Alpha

Question 28

Both U-235 and oil can be used as energy sources for generating electricity.
1 kg of natural uranium can result in the generation of 45 000 units of electricity.
1 kg of oil can result in the generation of 5.0 units of electricity.
Calculate the mass of oil needed to generate the same amount of electricity as 1kg of
natural uranium. (2)

Answer 28

45,000/5 (1)
9000 (1)

Question 29

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are two non-renewable sources of energy.
Compare nuclear fission and nuclear fusion as possible sources of energy for generating
electricity using a nuclear reactor.
Your comparison should refer to
• the differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
• the relative advantages and difficulties involved in using these sources.
(6)

Answer 29

FISSION: • (heavy) nucleus split • by a neutron • releases 2 daughter nuclei more neutrons energy • starts chain reaction
advantages: • already in use
disadvantages: • waste is radioactive • hard to dispose of • risk of accident

FUSION: • (light) nuclei joined • at high energy/temperature/pressure/particle density • releases (eg) helium energy
advantages: • no harmfOl waste products disadvantages: • not achieved yet (on a practicable scale) • difficulty in achieving high energy/temperature/pressure/particle density

Question 30

Stars may originate as a nebula.
Describe the process that then occurs to produce the conditions necessary for nuclear
fusion in a new star. (3)

Answer 30

Nebula collapses (1)
Under gravity (1)
GPE converted to KE/high temperatures, pressures reached (1)

Question 31

The energy, E, released in nuclear fusion is equivalent to loss in mass, m, according to
the equation.
E = mc^2
where c is the velocity of light.
c = 3 × 10^8 m/s
In 1 second, the energy radiated by the Sun is 3.86 × 10^26 J.
Calculate the loss in mass of the Sun in 1 second. (2)

Answer 31

3.86 × 10^26/3 × 10^8 (1)
4.29 x 10^9 (1)

Question 32

Nuclear fusion provides the energy source for stars including the Sun.
Describe what happens during nuclear fusion. (3)

Answer 32

Smaller nuclei/particles/atoms (1)
Join (1)
To produce a larger nucleus/particle/atom (1)
Needing high temperature/pressure (1)
To overcome repulsion (between nuclei) (1)
Energy released (1)

Question 33

Describe the difference between a fusion reaction and a fission reaction. (2)

Answer 33

Fusion involves joining of nuclei/particles/atoms (1)
Fission involves larger particles/nuclei/atoms breaking up (1)

Question 34

Nuclear fusion does not happen at low temperatures because of electrostatic repulsion between (1)
A beta particles
B electrons
C neutrons
D protons

Answer 34

protons

Question 35

The energy released per kilogram of fuel in a fusion reaction is 845 000 GJ.
The energy released per kilogram of fuel in burning oil is 0.0394 GJ.
Calculate the ratio of the energy released in fusion compared with the energy released in
burning oil. (2)
Use the equation ratio=energy released from fusion/energy released by burning oil

Answer 35

845000/0.0394 (1)
21 million (1)

Question 36

State two advantages of using a fusion reactor rather than burning oil in a power station. (2)

Answer 36

Fusion gives many more times the energy output for the same mass used (1)
No greenhouse gases/CO2 produced (1)
Doesn’t lead to global warming (1)
No radioactive waste (1)
Doesn’t use up a finite resource (1)

Question 37

State two of the difficulties that need to be overcome to produce a fusion reactor. (2)

Answer 37

Problem of containment (1)
Maintaining high temperature (1)
Maintaining high pressure (1)

Question 38

Fusion and fission are nuclear reactions in which large amounts of energy are released.
In a fusion reaction, 2 hydrogen nuclei are forced together to form a helium nucleus.
Explain why a very high temperature is needed for this reaction to happen. (3)

Answer 38

High temperature means high energy (1)
Needed to overcome force of repulsion (1)
Between nuclei/because they both have the same charge (1)

Question 39

In a fusion reaction, the combined mass of the two small nuclei is greater than the mass of the resulting nucleus.
This decrease in mass, m, appears as energy, E, according to the equation.
E = mc^2
c is the speed of light = 3.0 × 10^8 m/s.
The energy released in one fusion reaction is 4.5 × 10^−12 J.
Calculate the decrease in mass. (3)

Answer 39

4.5 × 10^−12 = m(3.0 × 10^8)^2 (1)
m = 4.5 × 10^−12/9 x 10^16 (1)
5 x 10^-29 (1)

Question 40

Fusion and fission are nuclear reactions in which large amounts of energy are released. Nuclear fission is used in nuclear reactors in some power stations.
In the reactor, a fission chain reaction is maintained and controlled to produce a supply of energy to generate electricity.
Explain how the graphite core and the movable rods are used to maintain and control the
chain reaction. (6)

Answer 40

• neutrons released in a chain reaction
• slow(er) neutrons needed for fission
• (some) neutrons are too fast
• control rods can be moved in and out
• control rods control speed of the reaction
• graphite core is the moderator
• graphite core slows down the neutrons
• moveable rods absorb neutrons
• moveable rods make more or fewer neutrons available for fission

Question 41

This question is about nuclear reactions.
When a uranium-235 (U-235) nucleus absorbs a neutron, the nucleus splits into smaller parts.
This reaction is called nuclear fission.
How many daughter nuclei are produced from the fission of one nucleus of uranium-235 (1)
A two
B three
C four
D six

Answer 41

2

Question 42

Both using nuclear fuel and burning oil produce harmful waste products.
State one harmful waste product from each process. (2)

Answer 42

using nuclear fuel - radioactive substances
Burning oil - carbon dioxide

Question 43

State two advantages of generating electricity using nuclear power compared with
generating electricity from gas-fired power stations. (2)

Answer 43

No CO2 produced/reduces global warming (1)
More energy (1)
No cross country pipelines (1)

Question 44

Using nuclear power stations to generate electricity is unpopular with many people.
State two reasons why nuclear power stations are unpopular. (2)

Answer 44

Public perception that radioactivity is dangerous (1)
Radiation leaks from plant (1)
Nuclear accidents (1)
Risk of terrorist attacks (1)
Production/storage of nuclear waste (1)
Nuclear waste is radioactive for a long time (1)

Question 45

When a uranium-235 (U-235) nucleus splits, neutrons are also emitted.
The neutrons may start a chain reaction.
Describe what is meant by a chain reaction. (2)

Answer 45

Neutrons are absorbed by uranium nuclei/atoms (1)
More neutrons are released/emitted (which are absorbed by uranium nuclei) (1)

Question 46

In the nuclear reactor of a power station, the chain reaction has to be controlled.
Explain the action of a moderator in a nuclear reactor. (2)

Answer 46

Slows down (1)
Neutrons (1)

Question 47

Which part of the power station provides thermal (heat) energy from a chain
reaction? (1)
A nuclear reactor
B turbine
C generator
D condenser

Answer 47

Nuclear reactor

Question 48

Which part of the power station transfers kinetic energy into electrical
energy? (1)
A nuclear reactor
B boiler
C turbine
D generator

Answer 48

Generator

Question 49

An isotope of krypton, krypton-89, is produced in the nuclear reactor.
A nucleus of this isotope can be represented as Kr 89,36
Describe the structure of a nucleus of krypton-89. (4)

Answer 49

89 particles in 5he nucleus (1)
There are 36 (1)
Protons (1)
There are 53 (1)
Neutrons (1)

Question 50

There are many control rods in a nuclear reactor.
Explain how control rods are used to reduce the number of nuclear reactions in the reactor. (2)

Answer 50

Control rods absorb neutrons (1)
Control rods move into reactor core (1)
To capture more neutrons (1)
So fewer neutrons left (to cause fission) (1)

Question 51

Nuclear fusion can occur if a deuterium and a tritium nucleus can be brought close enough to each other.
This fusion produces a helium nucleus and releases a neutron.
Compare the charges of a helium nucleus and a neutron. (2)

Answer 51

Helium has a +very charge (1)
A neutron has no charge (1)

Question 52

Nuclear fusion is an important process.
Scientists have said ‘without nuclear fusion, there would be no life on Earth’.
Explain why nuclear fusion is important to life on Earth. (2)

Answer 52

Nuclear fission occurs in the sun (1)
The sun provides energy/light/heat needed for life on earth (1)

Question 53

Neutrons are also released during nuclear fission.
Describe how the neutrons released in nuclear fission are used to produce a controlled chain reaction in a nuclear reactor. (6)

Answer 53

Stages involved in a chain reaction:
• (neutrons released go on to) collide with other nuclei
• causes nuclei to become unstable
• (nuclei) split/fission (into daughter nuclei)
• releases more neutrons o releases energy
Control: -Action of the moderator:
• neutrons need to be slowed down/turned into thermal neutrons
• to increase chance of collision
• this is achieved with a moderator
• carbon/graphite/water/heavy water can be used
-Action of control rods:
• number of neutrons available for collision needs to be controlled
• so that reaction proceeds at a steady rate / does not increase
• this is achieved by control rods absorbing neutrons
• boron / silver/indium/cadmium can be used.

Question 54

Three different components of a nuclear fission reactor are shown. Identify the materials they are made of. (3)
Fuel
Control rod
Moderator

Answer 54

Fuel - uranium
Control rod - boron
Moderator - graphite

Question 55

Another type of nuclear reactor is a fusion reactor.
Nuclear fusion also releases fast neutrons.
Suggest why a nuclear fusion reactor does not need anything to slow these neutrons down. (1)

Answer 55

Neutrons do not play a part in the fusion process (1)

Question 56

Describe how the thermal energy released (in nuclear fission) could be converted into electrical energy in a power station. (3)

Answer 56

Thermal energy used to create steam/boil water (1)
Steam used to drive turbine (1)
Turbine used to turn generator (1)

Question 57

Scientists and engineers are still trying to build a practical and economic nuclear fusion reactor.
They have not been able to sustain the extreme conditions needed for controlled nuclear fusion.
Explain what these conditions are and why they are needed. (6)

Answer 57

Description of the problem:
• Nuclei have positive charge
• Repel each other
• Reduces possibility of suitable collisions
• Rate of fusion too small to be useful
Description of how this can be overcome:
• Very high temperature ( of fuel)
• Very high KE / speed of nuclei
• High KE can overcome repulsion
• Very high density / pressure
• Increases possibility of suitable collisions

Question 58

Beryllium-9 is a stable isotope of beryllium.
State the meaning of the term stable. (1)

Answer 58

Does not emit ionising radiation/no radioactive decay (1)

Question 59

A beryllium-9 nucleus absorbs a neutron.
After a short time the new nucleus splits into two neutrons and two alpha particles. What are the 2 alpha particles? (1)

Answer 59

Helium nuclei

Question 60

A beryllium-9 nucleus absorbs a neutron.
After a short time the new nucleus splits into two neutrons and two alpha particles. Compare this nuclear reaction with the fission of a uranium nucleus. (3)

Answer 60

Similarities:
Produce more neutrons (1)
Produce daughter nuclei (1)
Release energy (1)
Split a bigger nucleus (1)
Triggered by a neutron being absorbed (1)
Nucleus becomes unstable (before splitting) (1)
Differences:
Uranium daughters are different from each other/beryllium daughters are the same (1)
Uranium daughters are heavier than beryllium daughters (1)

Question 61

A fission reaction can be the start of a chain reaction.
Describe what needs to happen next to produce a chain reaction. (2)

Answer 61

Neutron from 1st fission (1)
Go on to cause another fission (1)

Question 62

Hospitals use ionising radiation for many purposes.
State one use of ionising radiation in a hospital. (1)

Answer 62

Treatment of cancer/radiotherapy (1)
Looking at broken bones (1)
Sterilising equipment/dressings (1)

Question 63

Every hospital radiographer who works with radiation wears a radiation badge.
The badge is used to monitor the amount of radiation the radiographer absorbs each month.
Explain why it is important to monitor the amount of radiation a radiographer absorbs each month. (2)

Answer 63

Radiation is ionising (1)
Radiation can cause cancer/damage to DNA (1)
If dose/exposure is too high (1)

Question 64

Radiographers are restricted to a smaller annual dose of radiation nowadays compared to 50 years ago.
This is because nowadays (1)
A the radioactive sources have decayed
B we can measure radiation more accurately
C we have a better understanding of the risks from radiation
D we have more effective ways of shielding against radiation

Answer 64

we have a better understanding of the risks from radiation

Question 65

A radiation badge contains a photographic film which is sensitive to radiation.
The radiation badge is sent to a laboratory after a month and the film is checked.
Explain how the badge shows the amount of different types of radiation that the radiographer has been exposed to. (6)

Answer 65

• identification of alpha, beta, gamma as possible types of radiation
• identification of X-rays as possible type of radiation
• film is dark(er)/changes colour where radiation is absorbed
• different areas of the film are exposed to different types of radiation
• gamma (or X-rays) affect all areas of film
• beta absorbed/stopped by aluminium/passes through paper
• beta only reaches (top) part of film
• alpha unlikely to be detected at all
• the lead will stop (some of) gamma or (some) gamma will pass through lead/aluminium/paper
• the paper will stop/absorb alpha

Question 66

Mach each type of radiation to its correct description (3)
Alpha, beta, gamma
EM wave, electron, helium nucleus

Answer 66

Alpha - helium
Beta - electron
Gamma - EM wave

Question 67

There are both fuel rods and control rods inside each fission reactor.
Explain how pushing control rods between the fuel rods changes the rate of nuclear fission in the reactor. (2)

Answer 67

Absorb more neutrons (1)
Reduce the number of fission reactions (1)

Question 68

Describe what happens to nuclei in a nuclear fusion reaction. (2)

Answer 68

2+ smaller nuclei combine/fuse (1)
To form a larger nucleus (1)

Question 69

A sample of potassium-40 is left for a long time.
Some of the potassium-40 nuclei will emit gamma radiation as they turn into argon-40 nuclei.
Argon-40 nuclei never change.
Describe what information this gives about the isotope potassium-40. (2)

Answer 69

Nucleus/isotope is unstable (1)
Nucleus/isotope is radioactive (1)
Decay is random (1)
Long half life (1)

Question 70

Some other rocks contained uranium when they were formed.
Radioactive decay in these rocks produces radon gas.
Explain why people living near these rocks have an increased health risk from background radiation. (3)

Answer 70

Radon is radioactive (1)
Radon can escape from rocks/buildings (1)
Radon can be inhaled (1)
Radiation (from radon) can cause cancer (1)
Radon emits alpha (1)

Question 71

Which one of these statements about alpha radiation is correct? (1)
A Alpha radiation has no charge.
B Alpha radiation is very ionising.
C Alpha radiation travels very far in air.
D Alpha radiation is an electromagnetic wave.

Answer 71

Alpha radiation is very ionising.

Question 72

When an atom emits an alpha particle its nucleus changes.
Which describes the changes in the nucleus?
(1)
A proton number decreases by 2 mass number decreases by 4
B proton number increases by 2 mass number decreases by 4
C proton number decreases by 2 mass number increases by 4
D proton number increases by 2 mass number increases by 4

Answer 72

proton number decreases by 2 mass number decreases by 4

Question 73

Many different types of radiation are used by doctors.
Which type of radiation comes from radioactive sources? (1)
A gamma rays
B ultrasound
C ultraviolet
D X-rays

Answer 73

Gamma rays

Question 74

Explain how radiation from radioactive sources can be dangerous to people. (2)

Answer 74

It’s ionising (1)
Can cause damage to tissue/cancer (1)

Question 75

Medical staff who use radioactive materials need more protection than their patients.
Describe some precautions that medical staff can take to ensure their safety from radioactive materials. (3)

Answer 75

Keep distance from sources (1)
Limit time exposed to radioactivity (1)
Use lead shielding for the sources/handle sources with tongs (1)
Wear lead lined clothing/lead aprons/gloves (1)
Monitor exposure with some detectors/badge (1)

Question 76

Describe how radioactive materials can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of some illnesses. (6)

Answer 76

Diagnosis
• radioactive tracers used in the body
• to check systems e.g. skeleton / bone, blood flow, thyroid activity, kidney function.
• attached to some compound which targets a particular area of the body
• radioactive tracers are isotopes with short half-lives put into the body
• may go into PET scans, since this involves beta+ emitters
• gamma cameras, used to detect emissions from radioactive tracers
Treatment
• radiotherapy, use of gamma rays (from cobalt 60) / gamma rays aimed at a tumour to destroy cancerous cells. (Use of multiple beams) May cause damage to normal cells.
• radioactive inserts placed into the body to destroy cancerous cells, mainly used for prostate cancer.